Depression and suicide more pronounced in adolescent females during COVID-19 pandemic: Study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed numerous stresses on adolescents because of school closures, disruptions of routines, social isolation, and concerns about family illness and economic impacts. The American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends universal screening for depression among adolescents.

Mayne et al conducted a study to describe changes in screening, depressive symptoms, and suicide risk among adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

In this cross-section study all children aged 12 to 21 years attending the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) primary care network that included 29 centers were enrolled. Depression and suicide risk during the 2 weeks before screening were assessed routinely through a fully automated electronic screening system by using the Patient Health Questionnaire-Modified for Teens (PHQ-9-M), which includes 9 core items and 2 supplemental items assessing suicide risk.

Few important findings of the study are:

-The total number of adolescents screened for depression increased slightly, from 33754 in the prepandemic period to 36161 in the postpandemic period, reflecting the overall increase in visits during this period.

-There was a 24% increase in the prevalence of moderate-to-severe depressive

symptoms during the postpandemic period as compared to prepandemic period.

-Researchers observed that this change in depressive symptoms and suicidal tendencies were pronounced in females with a statistical significance.

As one strategy against prevention, telehealth has been rapidly adopted during the pandemic to support access to the medical home in the context of physical distancing policies and could be used to expand screening and support follow-up of adolescents with mental health concerns, as highlighted in the recent AAP-Interim Guidance on Supporting the Emotional and Behavioral Health Needs of Children, Adolescents, and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Authors conclude-"The rise in mental health concerns suggests that additional resources may be needed to support clinicians in conducting depression and suicide screening."

Source: Mayne SL, Hannan C, Davis M, Young JF, Kelly MK, Powell M, Dalembert G, McPeak KE, Jenssen BP, Fiks AG. COVID-19 and Adolescent Depression and Suicide Risk Screening Outcomes. Pediatrics. 2021 Sep;148(3):e2021051507. doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-051507.